My puny power versus God’s awesome power (Prayer Guide)

March 10, 2010

“There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him.”(from Steps to Christ, Chapter 10)

1. A Desire to be infinite and powerful…me?!

Do I desire to grant everyone’s wishes?
Do I believe that “if something is going to be done right, I will have to do it myself?
Do I expect myself to always have the answers to questions (about God. life, work…ect?)
Do I set unrealistic goals for myself in a day, week, year, etc?
Do I feel the need to control or tell people how they should live or who they should be?

2. The truth: I have limitations

I cannot grant everyone’s wishes.
I will have to depend upon others to accomplish certain tasks.
I have limited knowledge, and I am prone to forget things that I have learned.
I will frequently not accomplish ALL the goals I have set before myself in a day, week, year, ect.

3. What is my reaction to recognizing my limitation or helplessness before God? (Share with one another)

Do I attempt to make a new plan to ensure I will prevail?
Do I attempt to move on to something else that I know I can succeed at?
Do I fabricate an answer to a question in order to maintain the appearance that I am all-knowing?
Do I simply give up the task or dream?

4. What driving emotion do you have behind these reactions and facing your helplessness? (Share with one another)

Do I experience deep anger__, fear___, sadness___ other___when faced with my limitations?

Take the time to acknowledge God’s infinite and powerful nature.


Sometime tonight, reflect on the words found in Job, chapter 38.

Let’s Pray:
“Lord, I need you. I am helpless and have limitations and I am dependent on you Lord. I am finite. and you are infinite. Your strength is perfect. It is in You that I find strength to keep going.”

Praying for your joy…and hope for the journey:)
-Pastor Sabine

(adapted from: metamorpha.com)

Difficulties in Prayer? Pray…anyhow!


Sharing life and prayers at House of Prayer Experience

March 3, 2010

Maria is a grandmother who wants to celebrate her birthday at House of Prayer! What could be better than doing so here? She has many things for which she is so grateful: she waves a picture of herself from a couple of years ago when she was sixty pound overweight, unhappy and hooked on marijuana. She says she was able to shed the weight and the drugs because of Jesus.

She is excited about her newfound Faith and this is why she steps forward this evening to tell the whole world that choosing God has changed her life. Her elementary school aged grandchildren hold on to her as she shares how much the prayer meeting means to her. She exhorts the growing H.o.P.E congregation to hold on to the faith and God’s love-not matter what.

Leon knows about the difficulties of life, too. He is still looking for work and his living situation is uncertain, but he celebrates another milestone in his sobriety and holds on to his faith in God and remains hopeful.

Hope is what caused people to get up and write the names of their loved-ones on a “prayer table”, and take hold of the promise of Hebrews:

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (AKJV)

People such as Wilson and Clelia as well as another married couple, Maria and Dave have come forward on behalf of individuals who are facing hardship and health crisis. They have committed their families to praying and blessing others through a word of encouragement and a symbolic prayer quilt.

The founder and director of the Prayer and Squares, JoAnn, is facing a challenge of her own as her husband Ken recovers from surgery. Prayers ascend on their behalf in the light of Jeremiah 17:14’s words:

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed;
Save me and I will be saved,
For You are my praise (NASB)

In the midst of unspeakable pain, there is supernatural peace available and possible. Here are some highlights of the evening. We celebrate the return of Dick Davis with his wife June. The couple had been absent due to June’s recovery from a surgery. Dick is back with his camera, busily capturing memories for everyone…

Maria and Dave will bring a prayer quilt to their friend Rhoda. Rhoda was watching the prayer meeting online and was able to witness people who despite not knowing her personally came forward to pray for her because they themselves had personal experiences with cancer.

The prayers didn’t stop after the webstreaming (prayer meeting can be watched online once per month) ended. A group of friends, along with Pastors Derek Morris and Sabine Vatel gathered around Rodson who will be traveling out of town for a medical procedure. People have committed to continue praying for him until he returns home.

Rodson is “covered” by the prayers of H.o.P.E. He will take his prayer quilt with him on his trip. 🙂